Letter: Catholic doctrine

By Gary M. Simon, New Bern

Published: Saturday, June 14, 2014 at 06:56 PM.

Regarding Herb Sobel’s letter titled “Redistribution” regarding Pope Francis’ recent speech advocating redistribution of wealth to alleviate world poverty, he very mistakenly states that it is Catholic doctrine that the Pope is infallible when annunciating church policy. Not everything that a pope conveys in a speech or a sermon is an infallible statement.

Papal infallibility only applies to matters dealing with Church dogma/doctrine. In fact, there have been only rare instances of an officially declared Papal Infallible doctrine since the First Vatican Council of 1870 when the doctrine of Papal Infallibility was actually officially declared. One was Pope Pius IX’s previous declaration in 1854 of the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Another instance was in 1950 when Pope Pius XII declared the doctrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Mr. Sobel presented an otherwise well written letter, but might I suggest to him and to all others who make comments regarding the beliefs of any religion to please check out their facts through reputable sources so as not to diminish the impact of their opinions by making incorrect statements that detract from the original intent of their letter. I am sure that any member of the clergy of the faith in question would be more than happy to enlighten someone on what his or her beliefs truly espouse.

Gary M. Simon, New Bern

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Regarding Herb Sobel’s letter titled “Redistribution” regarding Pope Francis’ recent speech advocating redistribution of wealth to alleviate world poverty, he very mistakenly states that it is Catholic doctrine that the Pope is infallible when annunciating church policy. Not everything that a pope conveys in a speech or a sermon is an infallible statement.

Papal infallibility only applies to matters dealing with Church dogma/doctrine. In fact, there have been only rare instances of an officially declared Papal Infallible doctrine since the First Vatican Council of 1870 when the doctrine of Papal Infallibility was actually officially declared. One was Pope Pius IX’s previous declaration in 1854 of the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Another instance was in 1950 when Pope Pius XII declared the doctrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Mr. Sobel presented an otherwise well written letter, but might I suggest to him and to all others who make comments regarding the beliefs of any religion to please check out their facts through reputable sources so as not to diminish the impact of their opinions by making incorrect statements that detract from the original intent of their letter. I am sure that any member of the clergy of the faith in question would be more than happy to enlighten someone on what his or her beliefs truly espouse.